Where do you put the detergent in a washing machine?

Author: Walton Morissette  |  Last update: Tuesday, August 19, 2025

Main wash compartment: This is usually the largest section and is where you put your primary cleaning agent. Pre-wash compartment: A smaller section, often marked with "I" or "pre-wash". Fabric softener compartment: Usually marked with a flower symbol or "softener" text.

Do you just throw laundry detergent in the washer?

Always before. The pump on a washer pulls the water from the bottom to the top. This way the detergent will circulate into the clothes more quickly.

Is it better to put liquid detergent in drum or drawer?

Yes it does matter. It depends upon a liquid detergent you're using. If you use persil small & mighty , you should put the detergent into the drum inside the dosing ball . Other liquid detergents may need placing into the detergent drawer which is usually separated into 3 compartments.

Where do you put laundry detergent 1 or 2?

Which tray does the detergent go into? If your laundry is very dirty and needs a pre-wash, put your detergent in the first tray. Add detergent to tray 2 for the main cycle. For a normal wash, put your detergent in tray 2.

Is the detergent in the slot 1 or 2?

The detergent for the main cycle goes into the slot marked "II" (or 2). This is the most frequently-used slot. The amount of detergent you put in it depends on how dirty your laundry is.

Pre wash എന്താണ് എന്ന് അറിയാതെയാണോ നിങ്ങൾ വാഷിംഗ് മെഷീൻ ഉപയോഗിക്കുന്നത്| Front load washing machine

Is the detergent in number 1 or 2?

Decoding washing machine symbols

Here's what they typically mean: "II" or main wash symbol: This is where you put washing powder or liquid detergent for the main wash. "I" or pre-wash symbol: Use this compartment if you're running a pre-wash cycle. Flower symbol: This indicates where fabric softener should go.

Do you put detergent in first or last?

It is much better to do multiple loads than to cram everything into one load and ruin the washer. Put the soap in first: Putting soap on top of the dirty clothes means that only the clothes that have soap on them will get clean.

Where do you pour detergent in washing machine?

  1. 1 Main wash compartment: Detergent for the main wash, water softener, pre-soaking agent, bleach and stain remover.
  2. 2 Softener compartment: Fabric softener (do not fill higher than the line indicated by MAX).
  3. 3 Prewash compartment: Detergent for prewash or starch.

What happens if you put detergent in the wrong compartment?

Don't put detergent in the fabric softener drawer

For one thing, it would miss the actual wash cycle. Putting detergent in the wrong compartment can also result in detergent residue remaining on the fabric, which can cause skin irritations, according to the IKW.

Which slot does the detergent go in?

Two-Line Symbol – The two-line symbol represents the main wash compartment and is the slot you'll put the detergent into and use most of the time to wash your clothes.

Do I just pour detergent directly on clothes?

Because of the caustic properties of concentrated laundry detergent, it's not safe to put it on clothes directly. Ideally, you should pour it into the dispenser.

Which drawer is main detergent?

1. Detergent compartment. First of all, the detergent compartment is the one you should already be using — this contains the detergent (or soap if you will) to clean your clothes. It will likely be the largest compartment in size, located towards the front of the drawer, usually on the left side, although this can vary ...

Why is liquid detergent better than pods?

Liquid Detergent Leaves Behind Less Residue

Even if hard water isn't an issue in your home, liquid detergents are less likely to leave residue on clothes and linens than other formulas. It's possible that pods and sheets won't fully dissolve in the washer, creating stubborn detergent stains on fabrics.

Can I put liquid detergent straight into the drum?

Liquid detergent can go into the drum with no problem, but this should be avoided with powder. Adding powder to the drawer ensures it will dissolve before hitting your clothes to prevent powdery marks and white stains. Adding it to the drum may result in an uneven wash and oily residue.

What is the rule of detergent in washing clothes?

As discussed previously, the detergent's job is to help pull away the dirt and grime from the clothing and rinse it out with water. The actual "wearing" out of clothes is more likely due to the rubbing of clothes in the washing machine (i.e. the agitation), not from the detergents themselves.

Is it better to put detergent in a drum or drawer?

Place the powder in a mesh bag directly in the drum to allow it to dissolve quicker. Always check the instructions on your detergent first to make sure it can be used this way.

Why are my clothes still dirty after washing?

A full or partial blockage in the filter or pump will affect your washing machines ability to drain water from the drum. This will lead to poor rinsing results and poorly washed clothes as a result. Before you start a programme, clean the filter and remove any foreign objects which could be blocking the impeller.

Where do you put detergent if there is no compartment?

The short answer to your question is simply put a cap full of liquid detergent in your washer as it's filling up with water. The caps on liquid detergent plastic bottles are made precisely for that purpose. Just fill the cap from the bottle and dump it in.

How many cups of laundry detergent should I use?

For 2X liquid laundry detergent, use 2 tablespoons or 1/8 cup. Use a standard measure or mark the correct amount on the detergent bottle cap with a permanent marker to prevent overdosing. If you have soft water, use less—about 1 1/2 tablespoons of liquid laundry detergent. For untreated hard water, use the full amount.

Should you put laundry detergent in first or last?

If using detergent pods, detergent sheets, color-safe bleach or fabric softener crystals, add them directly to the tub before loading clothes. Do not put in the dispenser or on top of clothes. Use designated dispensers when adding liquid chlorine bleach and fabric softener.

Do you pour laundry detergent in the middle?

Adding Detergent Directly to the Drum

One of the key features of top-loading washers is the ability to add detergent directly to the middle drum before placing your clothes. This ensures that the detergent is evenly distributed throughout the load once the water fills the drum.

What is the best laundry detergent?

The Best Laundry Detergent
  • Top pick. Tide Ultra Oxi Powder Laundry Detergent. ...
  • Top pick. Tide Free & Gentle Liquid Laundry Detergent. ...
  • Runner-up. Persil Original Liquid Detergent Everyday Clean. ...
  • Best for... Tide Pods Free & Gentle Laundry Detergent. ...
  • Best for... Dirty Labs Free & Clear Bio Laundry Detergent.

Do you pour detergent straight into the machine?

If you have a regular top-loading machine, it's best to fill your washer with water first, then add your detergent, then add your clothes. This helps evenly distribute the detergent in the water before it hits your clothes.

Where to put detergent in a washing machine?

The powder detergent goes into the largest section of the drawer, usually on the left-hand side. If in any doubt, check your washing machine's manual. The liquid softener goes into the partially covered section of the drawer with the flower symbol.

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